FabledLife:

Your constructive criticism is very much appreciated. And you don't have to apologize for writing a long comment. I love those the most, read all of it. You were very polite and I love it. Thanks for not being a toxic reader.

I'll answer a few questions you have for me but I'll keep it short since It would become an essay if I give you a detailed answer.

I am aware of how Shirou fights, however, the suicidal fighting style where he deliberately leaves a fatal opening for the stronger enemy attacks is just too cool for me. And I don't think people calling it suicidal to insult his way of fighting but to show how dangerous the style it yet he uses it anyway because the man's instinct to live is nigh-nonexsistence. And I think you underestimate Cu a little too much. He is without a doubt in the top 3 strongest spear users in the Fate franchise. Archer's analysis wasn't just him hiding his ability to structure grasp and immediately know the weapon but an honest assessment.

Also in the fight with Theresa, He wasn't trying to destroy her, he was trying to apprehend her, which is harder most of the time. That was why he used tricks to defeat her. Killing the Amazon won't do him any good.

As for Tracing. Back in Fate World, They will disappear when Shirou commands them to all Gaia's erosion kicked in. Tracing objects would definitely stay longer than Projection. However, they'd eventually disappear if Shirou don't provide them with prana. If whatever he traced stayed forever like you say then he'd be too OP

Finally, Shirou said that he was in the Age of Gods was just an exaggeration from his side. He wasn't sure about the amount in the air since he wasn't exactly a proper Mage. But he can definitely sense the difference and the only time where Gaia's effects were non-existence was in the Age of God. The world of DC in my opinion has the level of mana equivalent to that of the age of heroes at best.

Server lock Yes it's humor but the character's interaction when put into a dangerous situation can still be dark. And there's no shortage of it in DC Universe. Stay for a while and read and judge for yourself. Thanks for reviewing anyway.

SAVIORofFRANCE Yes, I know. My Shirou does that too in the fight with Theresa, I guess, I wasn't clear enough. I was kinda rushing you see. Thanks For reviewing.

Oh if someone can be my editor or introduce me to one, that would be nice. Editing is a nightmare for me.

Anyway, back to the story

Chapter 2: Upcoming battle

Shirou was back to running again, but this time no one was chasing after him.

'I guess she gives up after I show her how much of a benevolent and magnanimous individual I am when I let her go, even though she was trying to kill me. Maybe she ran back to her people and said: "Hey about the man that intrudes on our island, he's cool. We don't have to kill him anymore" something like that…'

'Yeah,… Somehow I doubt that was the case.'

'Enough escaping from reality Shirou. Focus!'

Shirou was running like a headless chicken now, the terrain here didn't suit him very well. Especially when the Amazon is definitely better than him when it came to jungle rules. If he was going to fight them. He needed a place that would at least level the playing field.

An open field would be the best option for him at this point.

And the best open-field he could come up with is the seashore. Though he'd been running for a while now, He hasn't heard any waves. Since This was an island, that mean any direction he ran toward would lead to the beach eventually.

Having decided the battlefield for his upcoming battle. Shirou climbed the highest tree he could find to have a better view. If another tree was blocking his view then he would just jump over there and climb up again. After about 4 to 5 times of switching vantage points. He finally had a good look at where the ocean was.

On top of the tree, North-West. About 5 km(roughly 3 miles) run.

EXCELLENCE

He was closer to the shore than he had thought. Jumping down from the tree. Shirou started running.

Meanwhile,

Theresa sprinted back to her camp. She didn't bother following the filth for she had already known that despite his fighting prowess and attempt to cover his track. The filth still left behind trace that only the Amazon could recognize on their land. That was how she was able to catch up to him so easily despite being slower.

It didn't take long before she met the other sisters.

A group of 15 strong warriors was running toward her direction, armed with bows, arrows, and swords. They ran on foot as it would be difficult for horses to run in the forest given the rocky terrain.

"Captain Ariti, where's the man?" the blond that was with Theresa at the waterfall asked urgently

"He escaped my grasp," Theresa said with a level tone

"How is that possible, he's just a man. How can he escape you?" The short black hair was dumbstruck

After all, although Theresa Ariti wasn't the best when it came to melee combat, she was one of their best when it came to the bow and pathfinder. She was the very definition of a perfect hunter. How could a man from outside be able to escape?

Unless…

"The filth is a Magician and a Warrior. He isn't strong but is full of trickery. It's a shame for me to admit but I was bested by him. And I'm afraid he has more tricks up his sleeve. So, Dorothy, you go back and ask for reinforcement, report to the Queen of what happened. Head North-West, If he's smart, he'll be able to find the nearest seashore and escape the Island from there. Danae, you're going with me to hold him down before he gets too far."

Everyone nodded.

The blond turned back and ran toward their capital while the short black hair came with Theresa along with others.

'I'll get you this time Shirou Emiya'.

After 10 minutes of running with Reinforcement on, Shirou reached the seashore. He had to admit that this was one beautiful beach. There was nothing but the endless clear blue sea in front of him. He could barely see the curve end to each sides of the island.

'I guess it was to be expected. I mean they've been living on this Island for quite some time'

Shirou was enjoying the scenery and gazing at the sun and the sound of waves hitting the seashore.

'Yep. The sun is facing in just the right direction'

After a few minutes, he heard a rustling sound behind his back. Out came 1, 2, 3… 15 women dress in light battle gears. The front is consist of 10 melees combat armed with swords and shields while the rear has 5 archers. Forming a line of frontal attack.

'They came much faster than I expected. I could have sworn that I had run a straight line, how is it that they catch up to me so fast. *Sigh* Actually this might be better, the plan will be more feasible if they get here quicker'

Suddenly the middle line got separated and walked out Theresa Ariti.

"Oh my, If it isn't Theresa, you chase me down to the end of your 'small world'. If I didn't know any better, I thought you might have fallen for me" Shirou began with a tease

"Silence Cur! There's nowhere for you to run. Surrender now!" Theresa was furious at his slight against her. She was beginning to regret giving him her name.

"Oh, Whatever are you talking about, I'm not running away." The redhead casually said, his tone relax

"So, you've prepared yourself for a battle to the death, then," Theresa said with determination to fight and win

"Nope, not at all" was his casual replied

"Then what is it then" Theresa was internally restless, something wasn't right. He was too relaxed. Where did this confidence come from?.

"I'm here to negotiate," he said

"Hah, Do you want to negotiate for your life, or is it that you wanted to take the offer of being a prisoner forever here. It's too late for that. Not only did you insult the Amazon but our gods' patron. Do you think you can get away with it"

"You know I didn't mean it. I was just trying to…" Shirou said with a helpless tone but was interrupted by a shout from Theresa "Silence! I will not hear a single word from your mouth anymore! They are filled with deceives and lies. Sister! Battle Formation!"

HOH! HAH!

"Are you sure you don't want to hear it because I have what the Amazon wants and cherishes very much, you know?" Shirou said, his tone was filled with confidence.

Theresa who was going back to the rear stopped and turned back to look at the redhead.

"Even if you have something that the Amazon wanted, do you really think that we'll let you leave this island alive, we'll take it off your corpse" Theresa's word was filled with venom

"But I don't have it on me for the time being,…" Shirou said as if he was really trouble by it

"Is that the best excuse that you can come up with to save your pathetic…" Theresa was done with this farce, this will be her final words for this filth but her words were cut off as the redhead continued

"However, they are right in front of me, now" Shirou toned became more energetic

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Theresa was confused at what Shirou was getting at. What was his end game here?

"Oh, Wasn't I being clear enough…" Shirou acted surprised as if he were shocked that Theresa wasn't catching his drift on the matter.

"Well, to put it simply…"Shirou casually said with a bright and cynical smile on his face "I'm taking you guys hostage."

Multiple sounds of stabbing were heard afterward.


At the Watch Tower

"Got It!" Cyborg shouted enthusiastically

"Where?" Batman asked

"It's right… here…In the middle of the ocean?" Cyborg lost his excitement when he took a closer look at where the pulse of energy came from

"That'd be kinda impossible to look for then as we don't even know exactly what we're looking for if Darkseid isn't the culprit" Flash chimed in

"I can try to scan for alien's life form with my ring but it might take a while and the chance that nothing come up is high as we're not even sure if what came through was of alien's origin" Green Lantern offered his two-cent

"Can we ask for Aquaman's and his (fish)friends to help look for anything abnormal in this region?" Superman asked

"No, Aquaman is busy with the political discord in Atlantis, He'll be unavailable for the time being" Batman extinguished the idea

As the others League members were discussing how to track down the anomaly. Wonder Woman was stiffened when she saw the location on the board.

"No way" Wonder Woman said in disbelieve

Everyone noticed her factual expression

"Did you know something Wonder Woman?" Batman asked

"It's Themyscira, my home" Wonder Woman said in a monotone

"Wait, you mean the island you come from? But I don't see anything from the satellite footage" Cyborg questioned, rechecking the footage, only to come up with nothing

"The Island is covered with a mythical barrier that blocks all attempts to look inside" Wonder Woman explained

"Wait, you mean the Island that is filled with fiery hot chicks…" Green Lantern became excited but immediately fixed it when Wonder Woman glared at him"…*Cough* *Cough* I mean filled with strong and mighty warrior figures..haha"

"Green Lantern's aside, This is good news, you can lead us there Wonder Woman since you come from there, you should know what is abnormal in your own hometown." Superman tried to bring the main topic back

"What is this? Wonder Woman" Batman noticed her awkward silence

"Yes. I will know if something abnormal happens in my hometown but… You guys can not come" Wonder Woman said hesitantly

"What? Why?" Flash asked in shock

"Man can not step foot on Themyscira Island, this is a rule that has been set for thousands of years" Wonder Woman answered with a firmer tone.

"Wonder Woman. This is an unknown danger, you can not go alone. And the life of those living on that Island are at stake as well" Superman argued

"The Amazon Warriors can take care of themselves Superman, unlike the women in the modern age who need a man in cape to save them, we can save ourselves" Wonder Woman bites back with a cold tone

"But what if it was Darkseid, Wonder Woman" Flash chimed in

"As I said we can fight him off"

"Wonder Woman, you once said that you are the strongest warrior on the Island, did you not" Batman stated with a neutral yet firm tone

"Yes"

"Yet Darkseid threw you around like a rag doll, did he not?"

Wonder Woman was about to argue but she stopped herself. It was true, if not for the help of the League back then. She wouldn't have been able to defeat Darkseid.

*Sigh*

"If I bring men to the Island then I would be punished for breaking the Sacred Rule of the God and you will be killed or imprisoned forever on the Island."

"If you all escape and this is more likely, as much as I hate to admit, I'll be forever banned from ever coming back to my home. And for all, we know this could be a false alarm" Wonder Woman raises her tone at the end of the sentence

"Then I guess you have a choice. Either save your people from an unknown threat with us and let them live to hate you, or see your own people get slaughtered." Batman said with a cold tone

"Are you threatening me?! Batman!" Wonder Woman shouted, glaring threateningly at Batman

"Woh… Easy there. Calm down Wonder Woman. I'm sure what Batman was trying to say is that he's worried for your people." Superman glanced at Batman, signaling that agitating Wonder Woman was a bad move

"Do not presume you can tell me what to do? Superman" Wonder Woman glared at him this time

"Calm down, Diana. I'm just trying to defuse the situation, your people need our help, and I-we just want to help you" Superman explained himself but was cut off

"AND AS I HAVE SAID! WE'RE NOT DAMSELS THAT NEED A MAN TO COME AND SAVE US! IS THIS WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO, CLARK?! BIG STRONG MAN COMING TO SAVE THE DAY! SAVING DAMSEL FROM DANGER. IS THAT WHY YOU CHOOSE LOIS OVER ME?! BECAUSE I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF"

"Wait! I'm not… Are you still mad about our breakup?" Superman was taken aback

"Of course, I'm still mad, Clark. We were happy together. The strongest couple on earth, together we can face any threat that comes our way and then one day out of the blue, you wanted to end it all?. How was I supposed to feel?"

"The Amazon distrust the people from the outside world, me included. But I opened my heart to you and then you just pushed me aside because I cannot fulfill your fantasy"

"Oh Shit. How did our discussion lead to a lover's quarrel?" Green Lantern leaned over and whispered to the Flash

"I don't know, man" Flash whispered back.

Superman felt apologetic when he heard that

"I'm sorry I made you feel that way, I'll try to make it up for…" Superman tried to calm down Wonder Woman again but she cut him off "DON'T! Just…don't"

At that moment Batman takes off his mask and look at Wonder Woman firmly but not in a chastising way

Everyone was surprised at the gesture

"Diana. We will not force you anymore. As I said, this is your choice. However, I just want you to know what's at stake here. Are you really prepared… for the consequence of your decision?" Batman-no Bruce Wayne said "You don't have to decide now, take a breather, We'll meet here again in 10 minutes" Bruce Wayne finished and put his mask back on, and walked away.

When Batman left the room, everyone else followed. The only people left were Wonder Woman and Superman.

Wonder Woman looked down and contemplate

"Diana, I…" Superman began but Wonder Woman turned back and walked out of the room as well. Leaving only Superman behind in the room.


Back in Themyscira

"Phew" Shirou breathed out a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat on his forehead.

'Well that actually went well'

Knowing his Luck, he thought that it would have gone sideways real fast

In front of him was 15 tied-up women struggling to break out of their restrain. 14 of them with duck taped over their mouth so all they can do is wail unintelligibly.

"YOU BASTARD! WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS?!" Theresa screamed at the top of her throat looking at the 'abominations' that the filth had used to apprehend them

"Oh, these" Shirou took out from the ground one of them and hold it between his fingers.

It took the form of long and slender rapier-like swords with blades measuring over one meter and extremely short hilts, looking more likely to be used to thrust than slash at the opponent.

A Black Key

"These are weapons used to kill Dead Apostle, or you may know them as Vampire. They are quite effective against the supernatural creatures, you know. But its most impressive feature is immobilizing the target upon the blade piercing their shadow. Quite terrifying, isn't it? Of course, if you have a strong will, body, and soul. You can escape them if you try hard enough. That's why I use two of them on each of you." Shirou explained slowly

"But how? You were just standing there and we checked for traps around the parameter. There was nothing. How did you make them fall behind us?" Theresa was baffled at the new weapon that the swine magician just pulled out of nowhere

"Oh, I made them while we were talking, of course. Why do you think I talk so much? I was just buying time and distracting you so that I could have enough time to manifest them all above your head." Shirou smirked

"Oh did you expect an epic battle between me and your group? Too bad then, I need every bit of stamina and od reserve for the upcoming negotiation…"

'In case things go south'

A huge tick mark appeared on her forehead. Theresa grinded her teeth and stared murderously at Shirou. If gaze could kill then Shirou would have died 10 times over.

Not only has she been deceived by him once in the forest. She was once again falling for this swine magician's trick. She really felt like crying right now but she holds them all in. Crying in front of this filth would only demean her and gave him satisfaction.

Shirou might sound cocky now but those 30 Black Keys he traced dip quite a bit of his reserve. Not because they were expensive or anything but the fact that he had to do it so far away and 50m(roughly 170feet) high up above their heads so that the female warrior wouldn't be able to detect it. All the while, maintaining a tough and casual act in front of them to boot.

Thanks the root he was able to pull it off.

After they were all nailed down, pun not intended, all he has to do was tied them up, despite their horrified factual expression since they weren't able to move a muscle. Leaving them all at his mercy.

If Shirou was an Eroge protagonist then this could have had a very different ending for the women and not just being restrained.

Also, he was getting better at tying people up, which was not a skill that he'd like to learn but necessary nonetheless.

"If you think the Amazon is going to cave in to your demand then you're mistaken, we will neve..um..um" Theresa tried to threaten Shirou but he slapped a duck taped onto her mouth.

"Yes. Yes. I've heard you sing that song so many times that I'm tired of it now. Be a good lass and be quiet. I need rest."

Shirou dispersed the Black Keys on the sand, creating a beautiful blue light particles effect. The women couldn't help but be mesmerized by it.

He walked away from them and sat down. The women were looking at him as if he was the worst piece of trash in the whole world…

…which sadly enough, wasn't too far away from the truth.

He could ask them if they had seen any little girl but he'd already learned that these people were too stubborn, they wouldn't speak a word unless he triggered them somehow. Besides, if Miyu was really here and in their hands then it would put him at a disadvantage. It would be better to pretend he didn't know her if she really was in their custody.

His heart bleeds that he had to do this to Miyu. But there was nothing else he could do about it. This was a necessity to make sure they survived.

Now. All he has to do is wait.